Ceremony Held to Celebrate 100,000 Riders on the "New Sensation XR Bus WOW RIDE® Iko-ssa! Fukui-go"!

Celebration of 100,000 Riders

We are pleased to announce that the "New Sensation XR Bus WOW RIDE® Iko-ssa! Fukui-go," which has been operating between JR Fukui Station and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum since June 1, 2024, has reached 100,000 riders, and a commemorative ceremony was held.

1. Ceremony Overview

(1) Date and Time

July 5, 2026 (Sun) 9:15 AM - 9:40 AM

(2) Location

JR Fukui Station

(3) Attendees

Mr. Mamoru Takebe, Vice Governor, Fukui Prefecture Ms. Yumiko Tanikawa, Director, Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum Mr. Kazuo Araki, Vice Mayor, Fukui City Mr. Eiji Ozawa, Vice Mayor, Katsuyama City Mr. Hiroaki Nagao, President, Keifuku Bus Co., Ltd. Mr. Hiroki Matsuyama, Executive Officer, Kanazawa Branch Manager, West Japan Railway Company Mr. Takuya Nakagawa, Fukui Station Master, West Japan Railway Company Mr. Jun Susuki, Representative Director and President, Fukui RIDE Corporation

(4) Ceremony Details

The 100,000th rider was presented with a Echizen Tansu coaster by Vice Governor Takebe, a Fukuivenator plush toy by Director Tanikawa, and a commemorative gift by President Susuki.

Commemorative Gift Presentation WOW RIDE Departure

2. Usage Status to Date

The usage status of the "New Sensation XR Bus WOW RIDE® Iko-ssa! Fukui-go" is as follows, and it is being used by many customers.

Fiscal Year 2024: Approx. 33,000 people (June 2024 - March 2025) Fiscal Year 2025: Approx. 55,000 people (April 2025 - March 2026) *142% year-on-year increase from June to March Fiscal Year 2026: Approx. 12,000 people (April 2026 - July 5, 2027)

3. Future Development

We will continue to contribute to regional revitalization by promoting understanding and disseminating the appeal of content such as dinosaurs, Fukui's history, and culture, together with the local community.

4. About the "New Sensation XR Bus WOW RIDE® Iko-ssa! Fukui-go"

The "New Sensation XR Bus WOW RIDE® Iko-ssa! Fukui-go" is a direct service between JR Fukui Station and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. It is a new tourist bus that provides an immersive virtual reality experience through cutting-edge digital technologies such as AR and VR, with the interior, including the windows, front, and ceiling, covered in video displays. While traveling to the destination by bus, dinosaurs that Fukui Prefecture is proud of appear inside the bus! Furthermore, characters related to Fukui Prefecture introduce the attractive scenery, culture, and history of Fukui Prefecture, turning the travel time to the destination into entertainment.

Interior View 1 Interior View 2

(1) Highlight 1: Direct Route between JR Fukui Station and Dinosaur Museum! Spectacular Dinosaurs Appear During the Ride!?

Not only can you visit the Dinosaur Museum directly from JR Fukui Station without transferring, but during the ride, spectacular dinosaurs appear on the windows. We deliver entertainment that allows you to enjoy learning on the way, with fun facts about dinosaurs and the Dinosaur Museum, with different content for the outbound and return journeys. Additionally, the bus is equipped with the AI dialogue system "Talk With," allowing for an experience as if you are directly interacting with characters related to Fukui Prefecture.

WOW RIDE Exterior Interior View 3

(2) Highlight 2: Overall Direction by Yukihiko Tsutsumi. Featuring Tsubasa Imai and a Cast of Unique Talents!

The overall direction of the content is handled by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, who continues to provide a wide range of works in film, drama, and theater. Tsubasa Imai, an actor active in films, dramas, and stage productions, appears in the video.

In addition, Yoichi Hino, an actor, as well as Juratic, Fukui Prefecture's dinosaur brand character, and announcers from Fukui Prefecture's commercial television stations, will appear and introduce information about the attractive Fukui Prefecture, including gourmet food and recommended spots.

[Overall Direction] Yukihiko Tsutsumi [Screenplay] Tetsuhiko Ikeda, Shin Takeda [Cast] Tsubasa Imai, Yoichi Hino, Kenta Nakamura, Nene Masutani (FBC Announcers), Nanba Tanabe, etc. *Performers vary by route.

(3) Operating Schedule and Fares until March 2027

(4) Main Sales Locations

Sales Site "Happy Bus": https://happybus.jp/course/?keyword=WOW+RIDE+ tabiwa by WESTER: https://app.tabi-wester.westjr.co.jp/groupTicketList?group_id=JJOD0000&utm_source=odekakenet&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=202512_hp Fukui Tourist Information Center (within Fukui City Tourist Exchange Center) If seats are available, you can also purchase tickets on the day of use at the bus stop using credit card contactless payment.